Moving and Grooving

Several people told me, "The days are long and the years are short" when it comes to raising children. I understood that in theory, and now I know it in practice. I am exhausted when I get into bed at night because I'm so busy all day. Thankfully, Ayomi sleeps through the night now. He is changing day by day, exploring more and more.  He rolls, scoots, reaches, babbles, and he even tried to swim in the bathtub last night. I'm grateful to see how he's learning and growing in so many ways. I am thrilled by his curiosity. He's experiencing the world for the first time, which makes me slow down and experience things that I took for granted previously. 

Being apart during the day makes our time together feel richer and more precious. Sometimes I look at him in wonder and amazement that he's my baby. My gift. My joy. I really struggled physically, mentally, and emotionally in the beginning. It's not easy, but we're finding what works best for us. As he grows, we'll continue to make adjustments. One major change for me is traveling with a baby when I was so used to doing it on my own. We spent Mother's Day in New York and our first road trip was to Houston. Check out my travel blog to read about our trips. I'm also trying to get back into a fitness routine, which is made harder when I can't find a good sports bra and my wrists hurt. I have tendinitis that makes lifting and holding Ayomi and any weight painful. 

Ayomi attended his first FAMU event last month. I let him choose which onesie he would wear by placing them on the floor in front of him and the first one he touched (white) was the winner. Those onesies were hanging in my closet for almost a decade waiting to be worn by my baby. I secretly collected other baby items over the years that are finally being used. 

The past year, I have experienced so much transition - from IVF, to relocating to a new city, to loss of loved ones, to motherhood, to caregiving, and more. Change is constantly happening. I'm grateful for the support of loved ones and chosen family who have helped me navigate. I'm grateful for people who have listened without judgment, encouraged me, and asked how they could help. I am at peace. 

 Ayomi likes:

• Music
• Movement 
• Car naps 
• Being outside  

Ayomi dislikes:

• Empty bottles 
• Having his nose cleaned